Midnight

by Beverly Jenkins

“Don’t you have a better place to be, Mr. Grey?” “I’m content.”

I’m educated and opinionated. Men don’t care for those qualities in a wife.”

What’s the world like?” she asked softly. “Vicious and unfair, but filled with vistas so beautiful and wondrous your heart breaks trying to take it all in.”

“You’re a very stubborn woman.” “On that we can agree.”

“You’re a stubborn woman.” “I come from stubborn stock.”

I need to get home.” “I never took you for a fleeing woman.”

“You and Case, who’s sniffing around me as if I’m a bitch in heat, but the question becomes am I attracted in return?” His eyes were lit with surprise. “There’s that tart tongue again.” “Thank you.”

“Stubborn woman.” “Embarrassed is more applicable.”

His intense gaze made her aware of intimacies associated with other kinds of personal surrenders as well, but she chose to concentrate on the food instead.

cadaverous-looking

Nick said casually, “Muskets are notoriously inaccurate. Even soldiers have difficulties hitting their targets. Did you prime it correctly? Did you pack the load well enough? Will the bore pull to the left or to the right? Will it blow up in your face?”

“Pray you don’t miss, because these,” and he raised the pistols, “are very accurate. The first shot will be for you, and the other for your friend.”

“I thought you told me you weren’t a fleeing woman.”

“Then I’ll promise to keep my attraction under control.” “And you lie. You’ve already admitted that you do to get your way.” He paused and said nonchalantly, “There is that.”